Movies

Black or White is the story of a grandfather (Kevin Costner) who is suddenly left to care for his beloved mixed race granddaughter.When her paternal grandmother (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody the usual legal battles begin.Based on real events, the movie doesn't gloss over anything. Costner gives a brilliant performance and his little speech when asked if he is racially prejudiced is brilliant and honest.The little girl Jillian Estell playing Eloise is one to watch as she grows up and I hope she carries on as an actress because she did a great job here.Anthony Mackie is good as Jeremiah and Paula Newsome is perfect as Judge Cummings (she bears a startling resemblance to a young Oprah Winfrey which was a bit distracting) Overall a good film and one that anyone with any racial prejudices should watch.

BLACK OR WHITE (2015) ***1/2 Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Jillian Estell, Bill Burr, Mpho Koaho, Anthony Mackie, Andre Holland, Gillian Jacobs, Jennifer Ehle, Paula Newsome. Costner gives one of his best and strongest performances in recent memory - a return to form - as a recent widower attempting to retain custody of his biracial granddaughter (wonderful newcomer Estell) when her grandmother Spencer (equally good) files for full custody. While there are many 'big' issues intertwined: alcoholism, race, drug abuse and ultimately family values, filmmaker Mike Binder maintains a steady balance in spite of the trappings of a Lifetime Network movie underpinnings. Fine ensemble including comedian Burr as Costner's young law firm colleague and Holland as the barely-recovered crackhead estranged father who re-enters the picture much to everyone's dismay in the midst of the struggle for 'what's best' for the child.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: the title is no longer "Black and White". In the film, it is now "Black Or White".Wonderful script and beautifully acted film. It honestly tells the story showing the love, anger, hurt, tolerance and intolerance on both sides. A human drama that truthfully addresses issues of race and family issues with an interracial child in the middle. And FUNNY! Some great laugh-out-loud moments in the film. Terrific cast lead by Costner and Spencer but the two young actors playing Eloise and Duvan are flawless.It is very rare for me to gush about a film. And I rarely ever post a review. But...do NOT miss this film. I'm afraid it may not get much of a push. This film will make it on word-of-mouth. So see it and spread the word.